Job Discussion Forums

Gathernomoss · Joined: 23 Jun 2007 Posts: 6

I have heard that married teachers who are hired to work in UAE are required to go there first and sponsor their spouse, who can then follow after a period of a few months. Is that true, or is it possible for a newly-hired teacher and his/her spouse to go there together?

adorabilly · Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 430 Location: Ras Al Khaimah

that is the first I have heard of it.

The school we are going to work for have lined up all of our visa's together (my wife, and our 3 kids) and going on the same flight.

So that is news to me.
But I am new to the area.

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

employers (HCT, ZU, etc.) will arrange visas for the entire family prior to your arrival so you can travel together. Check with the employer's visa or HR officer who will be able to advise you about your situation.

Just be aware that after this, the employee will bear the cost of his family's visas - but not his own. So, Adorabilly will get all his visas first time around, and then, should they stay after his first 3 year contract, he will have to pay for the wife and kids only.

Iamherebecause · Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 8:39 am Post subject:

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

So far as I'm aware, the employer/sponsor is responsible for all costs/fees incurred in getting the residence visa and labour cards for their employees. In fact, it is the law.

That said, there are LOTS of unscrupulous employers/sponsors who either deduct these costs from salaries or tell the employees to pay for them out of their own pocket.

Recently there was a court ruling against private school operators who were deducting visa/labour card fees from employees (there was some confusion on a MOE directive that contradicted UAE labour law). The teachers are happy they no longer have to bear these costs, but would also like to be reimbursed for past payments.